Seven Date Nights That Could Change Your Marriage
By Rachel White, Assistant Pastor
Ellis and I are in what I like to call the “taxi” season of parenting. We split camps and one parent takes one kid to an activity here, and the other parent takes the other kid to an activity there. If we are lucky, we can sneak in a little date time just the two of us before we have to pick them up again.
Every season of marriage looks different, and every season comes with challenges to stay connected. When we first got married, the daily cup of tea on the couch after work was the best way to download the day. When the kids were little, we’d get them to bed early and snuggle up on the couch. During the pandemic we’d order takeout and dress up to make it feel special, and even though the kids were still awake, we’d send them upstairs so we got our time. Quality time is a big one for both of us, so it’s always been important to find uninterrupted, focused time together.
The thought of seven quality date nights where someone else makes the plans, sets the table, cooks and serves us food—and does the dishes—sounds like a real gift to me in this season. Kids all cared for and fed while the two of us dig into conversations that really matter. That’s what I’m excited about in the upcoming Marriage Course.
We’ve tried group classes and guided conversation cards, but I’ll be honest—I don’t love processing our stuff in front of others and wondering what they think about what I just said. And I don’t love totally unstructured time with no end in sight if an argument happens to start. This will be the third time Ellis and I have done the Marriage Course, and I really appreciate how it’s designed. You get to have private conversations with guided topics so the time is meaningful, all with the accountability of others in the room and a clear time frame.
Speaking from experience, the Marriage Course is a great way to reset, refresh, and renew your marriage. We first did it while preparing for marriage, and it helped us cover the basics. We did it again after being married for 10 years, and it helped us dig into some of the issues we were facing while also rekindling the romance. We hit 16 years this year, and I’m excited to do it again. I’ve heard from couples who have been married much longer that this course is still helpful even after a lifetime together. I mean, who doesn’t appreciate seven date nights at any point in their relationship?
Seriously dating, living together, or married? Consider signing up for this seven-session date night—and invite your friends to do the same.
We’ll meet in the Gathering Place from 6:00–8:00 pm for seven weeks starting April 22. Registration costs $150 per couple if you register before March 21. Each evening includes video teaching, guided conversations, and dinner served restaurant-style at your table so your time is focused on each other. The cost includes workbooks, dinners, kids programming, and everything you need for your date night experience.
The course is suitable for people inside and outside the church, so please spread the word. Space is limited, so we recommend signing up soon.
Pastor Rachel